[quote="Ashley":jo29vggu]Do they send the Windows CDs with laptops? I'll just format and do a clean Windows install if they do. If they don't what am I meant to do if my HD crashes?[/quote:jo29vggu]Example acer has this program that keeps popping up until you do backup dvd of your windows so they dont have any cd:s until you create one.

[quote="Ashley":1x28fbu9]Do they send the Windows CDs with laptops? I'll just format and do a clean Windows install if they do. If they don't what am I meant to do if my HD crashes?[/quote:1x28fbu9]

It depends on the brand AND model. I'm pretty sure the Satellite Pro series you are looking at have a seperate Windows disc. A lot of brands in general have a "recovery partition" (like HP and Dell) or you have to make discs (like Acer).

I know that MSI models all come with Windows discs... no preinstalled recovery garbage... If all else fails, you can always download a Windows ISO from any torrent site, and use your legit key to install. The disc makes no difference, it's the product key liscense that you are essentially paying for.

I'm still not sure whether to go for a 17" or 15" - I've read 17" and bigger are "not at all portable", whereas 15" would be easier to carry around on the go. Anyone have any comments? Anyone own a 15" or 17"? How portable are they?

my 15" macbook can be carried in a small messenger bag, but it's quite a strain on the back, so i mostly opt for a backpack anyway. a friend's 17" still fits in a slightly larger bag, so it's just as portable, if slightly heavier.

however, i could not do serious work on my 15" screen; not only is the fact that it's attached to the keyboard ergonomically challenging for me (because my hands and my head are quite a distance apart when in any comfortable position), but it's also too friggin' small. i've got friends that can work on small screens with ludicrous resolutions, but i'd prefer a physically larger screen to a higher resolution every day. so my tip would be on the 17"; for slightly better posture and prolonged health to our beloved devs! :)

Yeah, when it comes to screens, the bigger the better I say... especially considering you mentioned portability not being a huge part of the laptop experience for yourself personally. If it's going to be set up on a desk for 90% of it's usage, then I'd go the 17" myself.

Since I port mine around a LOT, I went for the ultra tiny 10" widescreen, and for the "main" laptop which doesn't move around a huge amount, I went for the 15" since it does get ported around the house a fair bit.